Churchill Downs announces record $5 million purse for 150th Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby’s winning purse has been increased to a guaranteed $5 million for the 150th Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs has announced.

That is a $2 million increase from the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2023. Churchill Downs’ 2024 Spring Meet, which includes the Run for the Roses, will include a 50-race stakes schedule worth just over $25 million over 43 dates (April 27-June 30). The meet’s total prize money is up 25 percent ($5.1 million) from last year as well.

“These record purse increases are a symbol of the health of horse racing in Kentucky,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, via press release. “Churchill Downs Incorporated’s over $1 billion investment into live and historical horse racing in Kentucky over the last five years has meaningfully strengthened the entire Kentucky Derby Week and year-round racing program.

“It’s important to acknowledge the state legislature for its commitment to working closely with private enterprise in a truly collaborative partnership to support the continued growth of Kentucky’s signature industry.”

The track has also announced the payouts for the following places, which include$1 million to the runner-up, $500,000 to third-place, $250,000 to fourth and $150,000 to fifth.

On top of the main event, massive bumps in winning payouts have been given to 38 of the 50 races throughout the meet, including four Grade I races:

$1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (GI)
$1 million La Troienne (GI)
$1 million Churchill Downs presented by Ford (GI)
$1 million Derby City Distaff presented by Kendall-Jackson Winery (GI)
$750,000 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (GII).

The seven total GI races, including the Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic and Stephen Foster, will also pay out a minimum $1 million purse. 22 stakes races will combine to pay out $17.5 million over Derby week alone (April 27-May 7). That includes $5.3 million on Oakes Day (the day before the Derby) and another $10.8 million on Derby day itself.

While no horses have officially qualified for the Derby as of this report, trainer Todd Pletcher’s Fierceness — who is the frontrunner for the Eclipse Award for champion two-year-old males — is the early favorite on Derby future wagers with 8-1 odds. Fierceness will next compete in the Holy Bull (GIII) at Gulfstream Park.

The 150th Kentucky Derby is set to be run on on May 4 at Churchill Downs. To find the entire 2024 Churchill Downs Spring Meet, click here.